Baked Penne with Sausage

Baked Penne with Sausage

Ingredients

Whole wheat penne (1 box)

16 oz marinara (homemade or favorite jarred sauce, Ragu traditional makes a good base)

1 cup red wine (can substitute chicken stock or water)

1 medium green pepper, diced

1 medium onion, diced

1 garlic clove, minced

1 pound ground Italian sausage

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

2 cups shredded mozzarella

½ cup grated parmesan

Italian seasonings (use a blend or combination of oregano, basil, garlic powder)

Olive Oil

Salt, pepper to taste

Directions

1.       Brown sausage with Italian seasonings and drain on a plate lined with paper towels

2.       Add approximately 1 tablespoon olive oil to a sauce pan, add red pepper flakes.  Add the chopped green pepper, onion and garlic once the oil is hot.  Saute for 3-5 minutes.

3.       Add the homemade marinara or jarred sauce.  Add wine or stock, bring to a simmer.  Add the cooked sausage and simmer on low for 15-20 minutes.

4.       Cook the pasta al dente (or even a little under).  Drain and pour into a 13x9 baking dish.

5.       Add the sauce, 1 cup mozzarella and mix.  Top with the remaining mozzarella and grated parmesan, sprinkle with Italian seasonings, bake at 350 for approximately 30 minutes or until browned on top.